Crypto Basics

Are There Crypto Indices for DeFi, AI, and Other Sectors? Exploring Thematic Index Investing in 2025

Want exposure to trending crypto themes like DeFi, AI, and Memecoins? Learn about the top sector-based crypto indices in 2025 and how to invest in the best narratives with less risk.
Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In the fast-moving world of crypto, one of the smartest ways to invest in 2025 is by aligning your portfolio with emerging narratives. Whether it’s DeFi, AI, Memecoins, or Real World Assets (RWAs), crypto’s growth is fueled by themes—and the easiest way to capitalize on them is through sector-based crypto indices.

But are there crypto indices tailored to specific sectors?
Absolutely. In fact, thematic crypto indices are one of the hottest trends in index-based investing right now.

This article explores the most popular sector-based crypto indices in 2025, how they work, and how you can use them to build a diversified, trend-aligned portfolio.

What Is a Thematic or Sector-Based Crypto Index?

A sector-based crypto index is a basket of cryptocurrencies selected based on a specific theme or market narrative. Instead of tracking the overall market, these indices focus on high-growth areas such as:

  • Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tokens
  • Memecoins
  • Real World Assets (RWA)
  • Layer 1 Blockchains
  • Gaming / Metaverse

Each index includes multiple tokens within that category, allowing investors to gain exposure to the entire theme without picking individual winners.

Why Sector Indices Matter in 2025

In today’s market, performance is narrative-driven. A single meme can send a coin flying, or a regulatory shift can pump RWAs. Sector indices help investors:

âś… Capitalize on trends early
âś… Avoid single-token risk
âś… Ride sector momentum without constant research
âś… Balance exposure across tokens within a theme

Instead of trying to guess which AI token will win, you can hold the AI Index and benefit from the entire trend.

Top Sector-Based Crypto Indices in 2025

Here are the most popular and best-performing thematic indices this year:

1. Token Metrics AI Tokens Index

Focus: Artificial Intelligence & Agent Economy
Constituents: FET, AGIX, GRT, TAO, NUM, OCEAN
Management: AI-powered with weekly rebalancing

Why It’s Hot:
AI is dominating tech and crypto alike. This index tracks high-conviction AI tokens and rotates into bullish ones each week. Its performance outpaced most passive indices during Q1 2025.

2. Token Metrics DeFi Index

Focus: Core DeFi protocols
Constituents: AAVE, LDO, UNI, RUNE, DYDX, GMX
Management: AI-managed, rebalanced weekly

Why It’s Hot:
DeFi is crypto’s infrastructure. This index rotates into projects showing strength in TVL, volume, and sentiment—giving you DeFi exposure without the need to manage protocol risk manually.

3. Token Metrics Memecoin Index

Focus: Viral meme tokens
Constituents: DOGE, SHIB, PEPE, WIF, BONK, FLOKI
Management: AI-powered signals and weekly adjustments

Why It’s Hot:
This index tracks social momentum and market sentiment, allowing traders to ride the waves while mitigating downside through AI-powered exits.

4. Token Metrics RWA Index

Focus: Real World Asset tokens
Constituents: MKR, ONDO, POLYX, XDC, CFG
Management: Thematic + risk-adjusted AI overlay

Why It’s Hot:
The RWA narrative is exploding as institutions tokenize bonds, treasuries, and assets. This index includes top-performing RWA projects with liquidity and regulatory traction.

5. Token Metrics Layer 1 Index

Focus: Smart contract platforms
Constituents: ETH, SOL, AVAX, NEAR, SUI, TON
Management: Passive or AI-optimized version

Why It’s Hot:
The infrastructure battle among Layer 1s continues. This index provides broad exposure to the platforms that power most of Web3.

6. Index Coop DPI (DeFi Pulse Index)

Focus: Leading Ethereum DeFi protocols
Constituents: AAVE, UNI, COMP, SNX, LRC
Management: DAO-governed, passive rebalance

Why It’s Hot:
DPI is the OG DeFi index—trusted, decentralized, and consistently rebalanced on-chain.

7. Phuture Custom Indices

Focus: User-created strategies
Constituents: Fully customizable
Management: On-chain rules, community-driven

Why It’s Hot:
Create your own sector index or invest in curated strategies. Fully composable within DeFi.

How to Choose the Right Sector Index

Choosing the best sector-based index depends on your goals and your belief in specific narratives.

AI vs. Passive Sector Indices

Many sector indices today are AI-powered, meaning they adjust weights and tokens dynamically based on real-time data. This is especially useful in volatile or hype-driven narratives (like Memecoins or AI tokens).

Where to Invest in Sector-Based Indices

Here’s where to find and invest in thematic indices:

  • âś… Token Metrics – Sector-specific AI indices with weekly signals
  • âś… Index Coop – Ethereum-based DeFi indices with DAO governance
  • âś… Phuture – On-chain, user-customized index strategies
  • âś… Set Protocol – Technical and trend-driven portfolios
  • âś… Centralized Brokers – Limited thematic access (e.g., Bitwise)

You can access these using fiat, stablecoins, or crypto wallets depending on the platform.

Final Thoughts: Sector Indices Help You Invest in What Matters

In 2025, the biggest opportunities in crypto are often found in narrative-driven sectors. Whether it’s AI, DeFi, Memecoins, or tokenized real-world assets, sector-based crypto indices offer:

  • Smart diversification
  • Aligned exposure to growing trends
  • Hands-free portfolio management
  • Reduced risk of picking the wrong token

For the best results, explore platforms like Token Metrics, where AI-enhanced sector indices help you adapt to the market and capitalize on breakout themes with data-backed precision.

Build Smarter Crypto Apps &
AI Agents in Minutes, Not Months
Real-time prices, trading signals, and on-chain insights all from one powerful API.
Grab a Free API Key
Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

Recent Posts

Research

Crypto Index vs DIY Basket: Time, Slippage, and Missed Rebalances (2025)

Sam Monac
7 min
MIN

Building your own crypto basket sounds simple—until you’re juggling 10–50 tickers, spreadsheets, rebalance rules, spreads across chains, and the constant fear of missing regime turns. A crypto index removes that manual grind: TM Global 100 holds the top 100 assets when the market is bullish and moves fully to stablecoins when it’s not, with weekly rebalancing and full transparency of holdings and transactions. One click to buy, zero maintenance to keep up.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

TL;DR (snippet)

  • What it is: Rules-based index that holds top-100 in bull markets and moves to stablecoins in bear markets.

  • Why it matters: Weekly rebalances + transparent holdings and transaction logs.

  • Who it’s for: Hands-off allocators and active traders who want a disciplined core.

  • Next step: Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why Education / Indices Matters in October 2025

In 2025, time and execution quality are alpha. Manually maintaining a DIY basket multiplies complexity: fragmented liquidity, multiple wallets, chain fees, and coordination across exchanges—all while markets move. A rules-based index compresses that overhead into a single, auditable product with pre-declared logic and scheduled upkeep.

Definition (snippet-ready): A crypto index is a rules-based basket of digital assets that rebalances on a set schedule and/or when market conditions change, so you don’t have to micromanage individual coins.

Traders searching “DIY crypto basket,” “regime switching,” or “weekly rebalancing” usually want one thing: broad exposure without the constant maintenance and the regret of missed rebalances. That’s the exact problem TM Global 100 addresses with weekly updates and regime switching to stablecoins when signals turn bearish.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

  • Regime switching: When signals are bullish, the index holds the top 100 by market cap; when bearish, it exits fully to stablecoins to wait for re-entry.

  • Weekly rebalancing: Aligns weights and constituents with updated rankings; regime changes can also trigger full portfolio shifts.

  • Transparency: Strategy modal explains selection & rebalancing rules; Holdings show a treemap/table; Index Transactions log all changes.

  • What you’ll see on launch: Price tile, signal gauge, tokens=100, “rebalances weekly,” contract address, and a Buy Index button with a ~90-second live demo flow showcased in launch content.

→ See the strategy and rules. (TM Global 100 strategy)

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time saved: Replace multi-exchange shopping, wallet hops, and manual allocations with one click.

  • Fewer missed rebalances: Weekly cadence + visible transactions log reduce the cost of “I’ll do it tomorrow.”

  • Slippage discipline: Centralized execution with declared slippage/fee previews helps contain surprises vs piecemeal orders.

  • Regime switching: Codified “risk-off” behavior into stablecoins during bears, so you don’t have to white-knuckle exits. (No performance promises.)

  • Transparency: Strategy modal → Holdings treemap/table → Transactions log—see exactly what you hold and when it changed.

  • Proof cues (What you’ll see): Gauge (market signal) → Treemap (allocations) → Transactions Log → ~90-second Buy flow.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Early Access (Waitlist)

  1. Open the Token Metrics Indices hub and select TM Global 100.

  2. Add your email to the waitlist so you’re first in line at launch.

  3. (Optional) Connect your wallet—our embedded, self-custodial smart wallet supports major chains.

  4. On launch day, you’ll see the price tile, signal gauge, and “Buy Index.”

  5. Review the strategy, expected fees/slippage, and holdings; confirm to purchase.

  6. Track your position in My Indices; rebalances and any regime switches will appear in the transactions log.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want broad exposure without micromanaging? Consider a rules-based core that updates weekly.

  • Active Trader: Keep your bets, but use an index core that may step to stablecoins during bears.

  • TM Member/Prospect: Prefer transparent holdings, logs, and a simple buy/sell flow.

  • Time-Strapped Professional: Reduce ops work (wallets, slippage math, spreadsheets) to nearly zero.

  • New to Crypto: Learn with training wheels—strategy modal, tooltips, and clear risk language.

  • DIY Purist: If you enjoy tinkering with weights daily, DIY could still fit—just know weekly index upkeep is handled for you.

FAQs

What is a crypto index?
A rules-based basket of assets with scheduled rebalancing and, in TM Global 100’s case, a regime switch between top-100 exposure and stablecoins.

How often does the index rebalance?
Weekly, with additional full-portfolio switches when the market regime changes.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?
A proprietary market signal. When bearish, the index exits tokens into stablecoins and waits for a bullish re-entry.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?
Funding options surface based on your connected wallet and supported chains; USDC payouts are supported on selling. (Stablecoin entry may come later.)

Is the wallet custodial?
No. The embedded wallet is self-custodial; you control funds.

How are fees shown?
The Buy flow shows estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and minimum expected value before you confirm.

How do I join the waitlist?
Visit the Indices hub → TM Global 100 → enter your email to get notified and first access at launch.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody: You transact via an embedded, self-custodial smart wallet.

  • Visibility: Strategy modal, Holdings treemap/table, and Transactions log make changes auditable.

  • Fee & slippage preview: See estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and minimum expected value before confirming.

  • Regime logic limits: Signals can be wrong; markets can gap; weekly rebalances can’t eliminate risk.

  • Region/chain notes: Supported chains surface in-product; availability and options may vary.

Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Conclusion + Related Reads

If you’ve ever missed a rebalance or watched slippage eat into returns, TM Global 100 can help standardize the work: rules-based logic, weekly updates, and a visible log of everything that changed. Join the waitlist to be first to trade, and make a disciplined index your core.

Related Reads:

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

‍

Research

Regime Switching in Crypto: Participate in Upside, Sit Out Drawdowns (2025)

Sam Monac
7 min
MIN

Timing crypto cycles is hard. Volatility cuts both ways: you want broad upside when markets run, and you want the discipline to step aside when trend and liquidity flip. That’s exactly what a regime switching crypto index does—using rules to allocate into the market during bullish conditions and to stablecoins during bearish conditions. TM Global 100 is our flagship implementation: a rules-based, top-100 crypto index when bullish that moves fully to stablecoins when not, with weekly rebalancing and transparent holdings/transactions you can verify at a glance. It’s built for people who want market exposure without micromanaging tokens—or their emotions.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

TL;DR (snippet)

What it is: A rules-based index that holds the top-100 crypto assets in bull markets and moves to stablecoins in bear markets.
Why it matters: Weekly rebalances + transparent holdings and a transactions log encourage discipline and clarity.
Who it’s for: Hands-off allocators and active traders who want a robust, rules-driven core.
Next step: Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why Education / Indices Matters in October 2025

Crypto runs in regimes—multi-month stretches of risk-on momentum followed by drawdowns that can erase gains quickly. Searchers looking for “regime switching,” “weekly rebalancing,” or “crypto index” want a practical framework that’s simple to follow and easy to execute.

Definition (for snippets): Regime switching in crypto is a rules-based method that changes portfolio exposure based on market conditions, typically rotating between a diversified token basket in uptrends and stablecoins in downtrends.

Why now:

  • Cycle asymmetry: Capturing trend while limiting drawdown time can meaningfully affect long-term outcomes.

  • Operational burden: DIY rebalancing across dozens of tokens is error-prone; a standardized process reduces slippage, delays, and missed changes.

  • Clarity: Real-time transparency over what you hold, why you hold it, and when it changed.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

  • Regime switching:


    • Bullish: Hold the top-100 by market cap across sectors and chains.

    • Bearish: Exit to stablecoins and wait for a bullish re-entry signal.

  • Weekly rebalancing:


    • Reflects updated market-cap rankings and liquidity/supply thresholds. Constituents and weights update on schedule.

  • Transparency:


    • Strategy modal with rules; Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log so you can verify what you own and what changed.

  • What you’ll see on launch:


    • Price tile, 100 tokens, “rebalances weekly,” one-click Buy Index flow with an embedded, self-custodial wallet.

Soft CTA: See the strategy and rules.

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Rules, not vibes: Mechanized regime logic aims to reduce emotional whipsaws.

  • Fewer ops mistakes: One flow vs. dozens of manual trades across chains/exchanges every rebalance.

  • Switching discipline: Full rotation to stablecoins on bearish signals—no second-guessing.

  • Slippage & fees surfaced: Estimated gas, platform fee, and minimum expected value shown before you confirm.

  • See everything: Holdings treemap/table and transactions log keep you informed.

  • Weekly cadence: A predictable update rhythm that keeps the index aligned with the market.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Early Access (Waitlist)

  1. Open the hub: Visit the Token Metrics Indices hub.

  2. Find TM Global 100: Open the index card and tap Join Waitlist.

  3. Add email: Enter the address you want us to notify at launch.

  4. (Optional) Connect wallet: Pre-connect to streamline the 90-second Buy flow on day one.

  5. Launch day: You’ll receive an email when trading opens; the index page shows Gauge → Strategy → Holdings so you can review in seconds.

  6. Buy in ~90 seconds: Confirm wallet, review fees/slippage, and Buy Index. Track your position in My Indices.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want broad market beta when it’s worth it, and stables when it isn’t.

  • Active Trader: Keep this as a rules-based core, take satellite bets around it.

  • TM Member/Prospect: Prefer research-backed rules and transparent logs over discretionary churn.

  • New to Crypto: Want a single button, clear rules, and weekly updates.

  • Time-Strapped Pro: Minimize ops overhead; maximize clarity.

  • Skeptical of “forecasts”: Prefer process over prediction—signals + scheduled rebalances.

FAQs

What is a regime switching crypto index?
A rules-based portfolio that allocates to a diversified token basket in bullish regimes and rotates to stablecoins in bearish regimes, based on pre-defined signals. TM Global 100 implements this with a top-100 universe and a full stablecoin switch in bears.

How often does the index rebalance?
Weekly, to reflect updated rankings and liquidity thresholds; regime changes can occur outside the weekly cycle when the signal flips.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?
A proprietary market signal. When bearish, the index exits token positions into stablecoins and waits for a bullish re-entry signal.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?
You purchase through an embedded, self-custodial wallet supporting major chains; funding and settlement options surface based on your wallet and chain. USDC payouts are supported when selling. (Region/asset availability may vary.)

Is the wallet custodial?
No. The embedded wallet is self-custodial—you control funds.

How are fees shown?
Before confirming, you’ll see estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and minimum expected value.

How do I join the waitlist?
Visit the Token Metrics Indices hub, open TM Global 100, and tap Join Waitlist. You’ll be notified at launch.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody first: Embedded smart wallet; you control keys and funds.

  • Clarity before commit: Fees, slippage, and holdings previewed pre-trade.

  • Logs on-page: Strategy, holdings, and transactions history are visible.

  • Regime logic limits: Signals can be wrong; sudden gaps and spreads can impact outcomes.

  • Geography: Availability and supported rails may differ by region.

Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Conclusion + Related Reads

If you want a disciplined, transparent way to gain broad crypto exposure while sitting out drawdowns, TM Global 100 was built for you. It’s rules-based, weekly-rebalanced, and visible down to the transaction log—so you can focus on allocation, not anxiety.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Related Reads

‍

Research

What Is a Crypto Index? Why Weekly Rebalancing Matters (2025)

Sam Monac
7 min
MIN

If you’ve ever tried to “own the market” in crypto, you know the pain: picking coins, timing rotations, chasing listings, and rebalancing blends research with stress. A crypto index solves this by tracking a defined basket with clear rules—so you don’t babysit a watchlist 24/7. TM Global 100 extends that idea with a rules-based approach: it holds the top 100 assets when the market is bullish, and fully moves to stablecoins when it isn’t, with weekly rebalancing and transparent holdings and transactions. That means less micromanagement, more discipline, and a single place to see what you own and why.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

TL;DR (snippet)

  • What it is: A rules-based index that holds the top-100 in bull markets and moves to stablecoins in bear markets.

  • Why it matters: Weekly rebalances + transparent holdings and transaction logs keep exposure aligned with market structure.

  • Who it’s for: Hands-off allocators and active traders who want a disciplined, visible core.

  • Next step: Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why crypto indices matter in October 2025

Search interest around “what is a crypto index” keeps rising because investors want broad exposure without constant token-picking. Indices meet informational → commercial → transactional intent in one flow: learn the concept, see the rules, then invest. For traders, weekly rebalancing reduces drift from fast-changing market-cap rankings; for allocators, a regime switch (tokens ↔ stablecoins) can help avoid sitting exposed through deep drawdowns. In one sentence: A crypto index is a rules-based basket of crypto assets that rebalances on a schedule to maintain a defined exposure.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

  • Regime switching:
    Bull: hold the top 100 by market cap.
    Bear: exit to stablecoins and wait for a bullish re-entry signal.

  • Weekly rebalancing:
    Updates weights and constituents to reflect the current top-100 ranking.

  • Transparency:
    Strategy modal (rules), Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log, and an index price tile with “rebalances weekly” note.

  • What you’ll see on launch:
    Price tile, token count (100), one-click Buy Index, and post-buy visibility in My Indices.

Soft CTA: See the strategy and rules.

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time saved: No weekly scramble across exchanges to add/remove names after rankings shift.

  • Lower drift risk: Scheduled weekly rebalances help keep the basket aligned with the evolving top-100.

  • Switching discipline: Automated bear-market stablecoin posture enforces a plan when emotions run hot.

  • Fewer missed moves: Rotations into/out of constituents are handled by rules, not vibes.

  • Single dashboard: Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log show what changed and when.

  • One-click execution: Fund, confirm, done—no manual multi-token shopping cart.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Early Access (Waitlist)

  1. Go to the Token Metrics Indices hub.

  2. Open TM Global 100 and tap Join Waitlist; add your email.

  3. (Optional) Connect wallet so you’re set for the 90-second Buy flow at launch.

  4. We’ll notify you on go-live—you’ll see the price tile, signal Gauge, and Buy Index.

  5. Preview fees/slippage, confirm, and your position appears in My Indices with full transactions history.

  6. Revisit weekly to see updated holdings and rebalances; we log everything.

  7. Repeat the waitlist CTA to share with a friend who wants “one-click top-100.”

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want market exposure without coin-picking? Consider Global 100.

  • Active Trader: Want a rules-based core that moves to stables in bears while you run side bets?

  • TM Member/Prospect: Prefer transparent holdings & logs you can actually audit.

  • Rebalance-Skeptic: You know drift is real; weekly cadence may help keep you aligned.

  • Risk-Aware: Like the idea of stablecoin mode when signals flip—no promises, just rules.

  • Time-Poor, Thesis-Rich: You believe in crypto’s upside but can’t manage 100 positions manually.

FAQs

What is a crypto index?
A crypto index is a rules-based basket that tracks a defined set of assets (e.g., the top-100 by market cap), with a scheduled rebalance to keep exposure aligned. Global 100 applies that idea and adds a regime switch to stablecoins.

How often does TM Global 100 rebalance?
Weekly. Constituents and weights update on schedule; if the market regime changes, the portfolio can switch between tokens and stablecoins outside that cadence.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?
A proprietary market signal. Bullish: hold the top-100 basket. Bearish: exit to stablecoins and wait for a re-entry signal.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?
At launch you’ll see wallet-funding options supported by the embedded smart wallet and supported chains; USDC payouts are available on selling. Details show in the Buy/Sell flow.

Is the wallet custodial?
No. The embedded wallet is self-custodial—you control funds.

How are fees shown?
Before confirming you’ll see estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and minimum expected value.

How do I join the waitlist?
Visit the Token Metrics Indices hub, open TM Global 100, and tap Join Waitlist. We’ll email when trading opens.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody: Embedded smart wallet; you control keys.

  • Clear rules: Strategy modal explains selection criteria and rebalancing methodology.

  • Full visibility: Holdings Treemap, Table, and Transactions Log show every change after rebalances/regime switches.

  • Fee clarity: Buy flow shows fees and slippage before you confirm.

  • Regime logic limits: Signals can be wrong; no performance is promised.

  • Regional notes: Availability may vary by region and wallet support at launch.

Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Conclusion + Related Reads

If you want broad market exposure without herding coins—or a disciplined core you can trust to step aside in bad regimes—TM Global 100 was built for you: rules-based, weekly rebalancing, stablecoins when warranted, and full transparency. Join the waitlist now to be first to trade on launch.

Related Reads:

‍

Choose from Platinum, Gold, and Silver packages
Reach with 25–30% open rates and 0.5–1% CTR
Craft your own custom ad—from banners to tailored copy
Perfect for Crypto Exchanges, SaaS Tools, DeFi, and AI Products